Extras

• Commentary with Director Courtney Hunt and Producer
Heather Rae

• Theatrical trailer (1:00 - HD)

•
Previews

• BD-Live

S

tandard
Blu-ray case

Release Date: February 10th, 2009

Summary: Frozen River is a dramatic
feature film which takes place in the days before Christmas
near a little-known border crossing on the Mohawk
reservation between New York State and Quebec. Here, the
lure of fast money from smuggling presents a daily challenge
to single moms who would otherwise be earning minimum wage.
Two women- one white, one Mohawk, both single mothers faced
with desperate circumstances- are drawn into the world of
border smuggling across the frozen water of the St. Lawrence
River. Melissa Leo (21 Grams, The Three Burials of
Melquiades Estrada, television's Homicide: Life on
the Street) plays Ray, Misty Upham plays Lila, and Oscar
nominee Michael O'Keefe (The Great Santini,
Caddyshack, Ironweed) plays the New York State
Trooper who ultimately brings the two to justice....

The Film:

Do these two women bond? This is not a story of bonding. It
is a story of need. They hardly have a conversation that
isn't practical and immediate, and theory and sentiment are
beyond them. Neither actress is afraid to seem cold and
detached. That we know their inner feelings is a tribute to
the film. I don't know how Hunt came by her knowledge of
this world, but it feels exact and familiar. Even the scenes
with a state trooper (Michael O'Keefe) are played quietly,
and with a certain sympathy. But notice the grim realism of
a scene at a topless bar (also in a house trailer).

And there is an awesome, terrifying beauty in their journeys
across the ice. "I've seen semis make it," Lila says. The
Mohawk reservation on the American side provides a kind of
sanctuary for smugglers -- although the tribal elders are
wise to her and won't let her own a car. Ray's status as a
white woman gives them a kind of immunity -- for a while.
The way the trooper approaches the case is matter-of-fact
and humane.

In detail after detail, "Frozen River" is the story
of two lives in economic emergency, and two women who are
brave and resourceful and ready to do what's necessary. It
doesn't play sides. It isn't about illegal aliens or
smuggling. It's about replacing popcorn and Tang with a meal
at the Chopper, and some nice TV dinners. That it climaxes
on Christmas Eve doesn't even seem contrived, just sad.

With a few infrequent landscape and close-up shot exceptions
Frozen River looks quite sparse for 1080P 'brilliant'
resolution
- just as the cinematography intended. The film itself is
sparse.... and connotes perfect storytelling. The film
rarely exhibits pristine detail - it's not that it's
intentionally hazy - it is just abjectly real in its
visuals. Dirty snow, and mud and desperation poverty extend
from every corner of the film's graphic presentation. This
would not have the same inertia if everything looked
ultra-sharp. There is evident grain, strong and accurate
colors and a true-appearing image presentation of this
immaculate film. The
Blu-ray
disc is dual-layered with a moderate bitrate. It did it's
job with a faithful and rewarding exploration of soured
lifestyles.... in the extreme.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY
CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

Audio & Music: The TrueHD track
shows some range but almost solely with the film's soundtrack - a subtly
impacting score by Peter Golub and Shahzad Ismaily. Aside from minor traffic noises and some
inconsequential gunplay the film is devoid of any impacting sound
effects. The strength of the audio is, just as the film experience, an
underlying appreciation
- less overt with English or French subtitles - we've been informed
that this
Blu-ray disc is region FREE

Extras:

BOTTOM LINE :
The most profound compliment I can give this film is that it
most closely resembled my all-time favorite work of cinema -
The Dardenne brother's Rosetta. Our human-condition
struggles may seem divergent but, in essence, Frozen River
reminds us that they are really all the same - no matter our
economic circumstance. The hardships are so
unendurable at times it is almost humorous. I give credit to the
editing of this film as it exported a lot of power to the
narrative. I have trouble believing that this is Courtney
Hunt's first film - and she is slightly younger than I to
compound that insult. This film seems more important than
anything I might ever do with my life - I guess that is
saying enough (about her and myself.) I have not seen the
DVD, available
HERE, but this
Blu-ray, for $10 more - certainly has
my recommendation, regardless that it may only be limited
improvement, with Frozen River being as close to a
masterpiece of pure cinema as I have seen in a very, very
long time.

Gary Tooze

February 7th, 2009

About the Reviewer:
Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film
since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was
around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my
horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out
new film experiences. I currently own approximately 7500
DVDs and have reviewed over 3000 myself. I appreciate my
discussion Listserv for furthering my film
education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver.
Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our
Amazon links.

Although I never wanted to become one of those guys who
focused 'too much' on image and sound quality - I
find HD is swiftly pushing me in that direction. So be
it, but film will always be my first love and I list my
favorites on the old YMdb site now accessible
HERE.